back

Taylor Earns Top Honor

At the USA Track & Field's 22nd Annual Meeting in late November 2000, officials announced that Angelo Taylor received the Jesse Owens Award for the top male athlete of the year.

"I'm very honored to be a recipient of this award. Jesse Owens is the epitome of track. To receive such a high honor at such a young age is truly an honor to me," said Taylor.

Named for the hero of the 1936 Olympics, the award goes to the year's outstanding male and female performers of United States track and field, long distance running and race walking. Pole vaulter Stacy Dragila received the award as the top female athlete.

"Angelo at such a young age has come along so quickly. Who would of thought he could win the gold medal coming out of lane one? Angelo is richly deserving of this year's Jesse Owens Award," announced USATF CEO Craig Masback.

Taylor beat out several notable nominees, including Maurice Green and Michael Johnson, for the award.